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Scottish and UK governments are currently embroiled in a disagreement over who should foot the bill for the recent visits of Donald Trump and JD Vance to Scotland. President Trump visited his golf courses in Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire for four days in July, leading to substantial policing and security costs. BBC Scotland News reports that the Scottish government is seeking reimbursement of around £20 million from the Treasury for these expenses, while UK ministers argue that since the visit was private, Scotland should cover the costs.
In addition to President Trump’s visit, Scotland’s finance secretary, Shona Robison, is also requesting £6 million to cover policing costs for Vice President JD Vance’s holiday in August. Robison highlighted that UK ministers covered costs for President Trump’s 2018 visit, setting a precedent for foreign dignitaries’ visits to devolved nations. Nonetheless, the UK government contends that it is not responsible for the bill, noting that both visits this summer were not linked to official UK government business.
The crux of the argument lies in the nature of the visits. The White House described the Scotland visit as both private and working, with President Trump engaging in golf rounds and official meetings with various politicians. Despite interactions with European leaders and UK officials during his stay, the lack of a formal invitation in 2025 has led UK ministers to refuse reimbursement for policing costs. The Scottish Police Federation has also voiced concerns, emphasizing that Police Scotland lacks the budget to handle such high-profile events alongside daily policing duties.
President Trump’s visit incurred substantial costs due to heightened security measures following recent assassination attempts. Shift changes and the need for additional officers, including reinforcements from other UK forces, contributed to the overall expenses. While the policing operation was deemed successful without any major incidents, the financial dispute between the Scottish and UK governments continues unresolved. With millions of pounds at stake, both parties are steadfast in their positions, creating a standoff over who should ultimately cover the bill
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